Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's focus on Tera Raids makes up the majority of its post-game farming content. With The Teal Mask's emphasis on a new environment, an alternate method could be introduced to tie more into the DLC's narrative structure while including similarly sought-after rewards.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's post game upped the ante of Tera Raids by offering an additional level of challenge to players. Not only were they made more difficult through the inclusion of six and seven-star raids, but they also offered incredibly useful materials to farm, including Herba Mystica that could be utilized in picnic recipes to boost the odds of shiny encounters. Given how integral shiny hunting was in keeping gameplay exciting after Scarlet and Violet's narrative ended, the rewards from Tera Raids encouraged collectors and casual players alike to continue their adventures. Along with other items received, like EXP. Candies and Tera Shards, the raid content helped players to fill out their Pokedex and experiment more with the region's Terastal phenomenon.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Teal Mask DLC Could Introduce a New Farming Method
Though Scarlet and Violet continue to release Tera Raid events, including a focus on fully-evolved starters like Greninja and the original forms of Decidueye, Samurott, and Typhlosion as a nod to Pokemon Legends: Arceus, the upcoming DLC for the games could suggest new opportunities to expand beyond the Tera Raid formula. As the Teal Mask DLC will likely be intended for players who have already completed their travels from the base game, collecting materials like Herba Mystica and EXP. Candies will hold a continued relevance to their enjoyment. With its new environment and Pokemon, perhaps Kitakami can provide a different spin on the titles' post-game farming.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Teal Mask DLC is set to take place on a school culture trip, and it'll include both new and returning Pokemon. The emphasis on its Japanese-inspired environment appears to play a large part in its narrative and aesthetic, which could have an effect on its mechanics. Given The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk share ties to Paldea's Area Zero, the Terastal phenomenon will certainly play a role throughout players' journey into the DLC content; this could further explain the natural origins of Herba Mystica, a resource that might be more plentiful in Kitakami.
Given that Herba Mystica was hidden away in small caverns protected by Titan Pokemon throughout Scarlet and Violet's base game, a similar model could continue throughout The Teal Mask's forest-like environment. Instead of keeping these rewards contained to Tera Raid spots, the items could be made available after scavenging certain areas or completing trials set by the people and Pokemon of Kitakami, like how Pokemon Sun and Moon operated. This could be amplified through unique interactions with Scarlet and Violet's supporting characters, Penny, Nemona, and Arven, should they make a reappearance, helping to aid in the pacing and narrative structure of the DLC while keeping its farming content fresh.
Though Tera Raids certainly offer a level of difficulty fitting of their Herba Mystica rewards, much of their allure in Scarlet and Violet's base game comes from the ability to work cooperatively with other players. With a newer focus on environmental cues or overworld encounters, similar to Sword and Shield's treatment of its Galarian birds in The Crown Tundra, an alternate farming method could make proper use of the challenges set by its Pokemon while making its content a bit more compelling for solo-players. In turn, this could help Scarlet and Violet's Terastal Phenomenon and the rewards offered from battle feel more tethered to the world itself, working to provide lore implications surrounding its most sought-after materials.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now for the Nintendo Switch.